Yankees turn to Sizemore to play first base

On Sunday evening when Francisco Cervelli was injured, the Yankees turned to Carlos Beltran to play first base–despite the fact Beltan had no experience at first base. It’s the same story tonight–minus the part where someone gets injured. Scott Sizemore is seeing more playing time, and he’ll see at first base, a position he’s never played before in his career.

“I haven’t been over there enough to really get a feel for the position,” Sizemore said to the media before today’s game. “But I consider myself a pretty good athlete, a pretty good infielder, so I feel like the basics are there, it’s just a matter of knowing my responsibilities on bunt coverage, all that good stuff.”

Despite the fact Sizemore has never played first base in a Major League game, he’s done drills while in Scranton, and not only is he confident in his abilities, but manager Joe Girardi is confident as well.

“We’re pretty confident that he can do it,” Girardi said. “Obviously he has not been in a game and done it, but I’m pretty confident he can do it. … It’s not the most comfortable position to be in, but when you go through injuries sometimes you have to be a little bit creative. I didn’t really feel like putting Carlos back there, so I went with Sizemore.”

The Yankees warned Sizemore he’ll play anywhere and anywhere they need him, and he’s more than ready for the challenge. First base just happens to be the first challenge.

Some Notes:

— The Yankees don’t have a starter for Sunday’s game (notice the TBA in the pitching matchups post), but Girardi confirmed it will be one of the bullpen guys that will make the start. The decision will come down between David Phelps and Vidal Nuno sine Adam Warren more than likely locked up a late inning role.

— David Robertson isn’t the only player playing at the minor league complex on Saturday–Brendan Ryan is too. Ryan is swinging a bat and playing in games but the Yankees want him to get 40-50 at-bats before they activate him from the disabled list.

— Derek Jeter is also on Girardi’s mind as he plays back to back days for the first time since a quad injury forced Jeter to sit on the bench. Girardi said the Yankees will monitor him during these next few games.